Sabalenka Credits Djokovic Influence After Downing Former Partner Mertens to Reach Wimbledon Quarter-Finals

SME News UK. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka powered past former doubles partner Elise Mertens in straight sets on Sunday to secure a place in the Wimbledon quarter-finals, crediting inspiration from Novak Djokovic for her continued dominance on grass.Sabalenka, chasing her first Grand Slam title of the 2025 season after runner-up finishes at the Australian Open and French Open, sealed a 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Mertens in a hard-fought fourth-round contest lasting one hour and 35 minutes on Centre Court.It marked yet another gritty win for the Belarusian, who overcame stern challenges from Marie Bouzkova and Emma Raducanu in the earlier rounds. Against Mertens, she showcased her hallmark power, composure, and newfound mental edge—qualities she says have been sharpened thanks to advice from 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.“Talking a lot to Novak, he definitely has a lot of knowledge of the game,” Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference. “It’s really helped me a lot several times. One of our conversations was about managing energy, another about the mental part of the game, and also how to mentally approach big finals.”Sabalenka humorously added that Djokovic has even teased her about mimicking his return. “He’s always making fun of me copying his return. I’m like, ‘Man, it’s working!’ I’m copying the best.”Despite her dominance in their head-to-head history—Sabalenka now leads 11-2—Mertens elevated her game in the second set. After dropping the first 6-4, the Belgian surged to a 3-1 lead in the second with a break. But Sabalenka responded with trademark ferocity, breaking back and forcing a tie-break.The breaker was a high-quality affair, with Mertens firing four consecutive aces to stay in contention. But Sabalenka stepped up when it mattered most, securing five mini-breaks and sealing victory with a composed finish at the net—celebrated with a muted fist pump and a warm embrace with her former partner, with whom she won two Grand Slam doubles titles from 2019 to 2021.The top seed now advances to face Germany’s Laura Siegemund, the oldest player remaining in the women’s draw at 37, who has yet to drop a set in the tournament.With her blend of raw power, tactical discipline, and a champion’s mindset—now bolstered by insights from Djokovic—Sabalenka looks increasingly like a formidable contender to lift the Wimbledon trophy.